Tennessee Titans veteran linebacker Kamerion Wimbley announced his retirement via Twitter on Thursday. Wimbley played nine seasons in the NFL, first for the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him in Round 1 in 2006, and then later for the Oakland Raiders. He spent the last three seasons with the Titans.
“After nine incredibly gratifying and rewarding seasons in the National Football League, I am officially announcing my retirement. While I am grateful for the opportunity to play in the NFL, I am closing this chapter of my life and looking towards the future.
I’d like to thank the National Football League for giving me the opportunity to play the game that I love. I’d like to thank the Browns, the Raiders and the Titans Organizations for believing in me and allowing me to represent their cities and I’d especially like to thank my family, friends, fans, teammates and coaches for their unwavering support and guidance over the years.
While I still feel like I could be competitive on the field, at this point in my life, my family is my priority. Although my wife and two young daughters have always been incredibly supportive of my career, I am looking forward to spending more meaningful time with them and never missing another big moment in their lives!
Words can’t express how grateful I am for my time in the NFL and I thank God for the irreplaceable opportunity; however I am equally excited for what this next chapter will bring.”
In nine seasons, Wimbley totaled 442 combined tackles, 53.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles. He had 73 tackles and 11 sacks in his Titans career, including 32 combined tackles and two sacks in 13 games played in 2014. His skills had been in decline, with Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranking him their 44th (out of 46) 3-4 outside linebacker for the 2014 season, mainly for his struggles stopping the run. Wimbley turns 32 years old in October.
Titans general manager Ruston Webster released a statement of his own upon Wimbley’s announcement:
#Titans GM Ruston Webster on Wimbley: “We want to congratulate Kamerion on a his NFL career. He is a true pro and a fantastic person." (1/3)
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 7, 2015
Webster: "Not everyone gets to walk away from the game on their own terms and he is doing that today and for that he has my respect." (2/3)
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 7, 2015
Webster: "I know he has a number of business ventures already and we wish him and his family the best in what lies ahead.” (3/3)
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 7, 2015
Wimbley’s business ventures include a dog-breeding facility, Gold Label Kennels, based out of Florida, that focuses on American Bulldogs. In 2012, he competed on American Ninja Warrior and in 2013, he beat out fellow NFLers Martellus Bennett and Dwight Freeney in a Super Bowl Cookoff as part of the Rachael Ray Show. So it’s fair to say that Wimbley will have no trouble keeping busy during his post-football years.
Photo: USA Today